KR20230052906A - electro active sports glasses - Google Patents

Abstract

Electroactive lenses provide focusing at two different optical powers simultaneously. This is done with a stack of electroactive lens elements aligned along the same optical axis and focusing light in different polarization states (eg, horizontal and vertical polarization states) respectively. When the first and second electroactive lens elements have different optical powers, light in a first polarization state can be focused to one optical power, and light in a second polarization state can be focused to different optical powers simultaneously. Electroactive lenses can switch between different single and multiple optical powers. A person with presbyopia may use electroactive lenses mounted on eyeglasses in place of conventional bifocal eyeglasses. Electroactive lenses can also be used in scopes to improve target aiming.

Description

electro active sports glasses

Cross reference to related application(s)

This application, 35 U.S.C. 119(e), priority is claimed to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/067,839, filed on August 19, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Vision can deteriorate with age. It is the ability to quickly switch focus between two different focal points at two different distances that can cause vision to deteriorate with age. A young person with good eyesight can usually quickly switch focus between near and far objects. As we age, we may lose the ability to switch focus quickly. Another thing that can reduce vision with age is the ability to see close objects clearly, a condition called presbyopia.

A common treatment for presbyopia is to wear glasses with bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses. A bifocal lens has two areas with different capabilities. The top half of the bifocal lens has vision correction for distant objects. The lower part of the bifocal lens has a reading prescription for close objects. Similarly, trifocal lenses have three zones for focusing objects at near, intermediate and far distances. Bifocal and trifocal lenses usually have a visible line indicating a change in prescription. Progressive lenses are similar to trifocal lenses, but there is no visible line indicating a change in prescription. Progressive lenses can be thought of as "seamless" trifocal lenses.

There can be several disadvantages to wearing bifocals or progressive glasses. When a wearer of eyeglasses with bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses wishes to switch between two different prescriptions within the lenses while looking in one direction, the wearer must move their head or glasses to change which part of the lenses the wearer sees. do. These movements can be detrimental in many activities, including certain jobs, sports, hobbies, and daily activities.

For example, one activity where physical movement of the head can cause problems is when driving a car. When driving a car, the driver must be able to quickly switch their focus between the road ahead and an approach sign (eg, exit ramp or road), both signs must be in the driver's area of attention. If the driver has to move their head to switch focus, the driver's reaction time may be slower. This can create unsafe driving conditions.

Physical movement of the head or glasses can be a problem when playing certain sports such as shooting sports, billiards and racquet sports. For example, when shooting, a shooter may wish to quickly switch focus between the aiming bead of a rifle and the target. Typically, an aiming bead is aligned with respect to a target to successfully hit the target. When wearing bifocal or progressive lenses, the photographer may have to move their head or glasses to see through different parts of the lenses. These movements impair an individual's ability to achieve goals, which can have detrimental effects on an individual's performance.

The electroactive lens system of the present invention can provide focusing at two different optical powers simultaneously without head movement. This is done with a pair or stack of electroactive lens elements (also referred to as electroactive lenses) that focus light in different polarization states (eg, orthogonal horizontal and vertical polarization states). For example, a first electroactive lens element can be configured to dynamically focus horizontally polarized light and not transmit vertically polarized light, and a second electroactive lens element to dynamically focus vertically polarized light and transmit horizontally polarized light. It can be configured not to transmit polarized light. When the first and second electroactive lens elements have different optical powers, horizontally polarized light can be focused in one plane and vertically polarized light can be focused in a different plane.

The electroactive lens system of the present invention may include an electroactive lens. The electroactive lens includes a first electroactive lens element configured to switch between state A and state B. In state A, the first electroactive lens element provides a first optical power for light of the first polarization state and zero optical power for light of a second polarization state different from the first polarization state. In state B, the first electroactive lens element provides a second optical power different from the first optical power for light in the first polarization state and zero optical power for light in the second polarization state. The electroactive lens also includes a second electroactive lens element in optical series with the first electroactive lens element. The second electroactive lens element is configured to switch between state C and state D. In state C, the second electroactive lens element provides a first optical power for light in the second polarization state, a third optical power different from the second optical power, and zero optical power for light in the first polarization state. . In state D, the second electroactive lens element provides a fourth optical power for light in the second polarization state and zero optical power for light in the first polarization state.

The first electroactive lens element may include a first liquid crystal layer and a first alignment layer having a first alignment direction. The second electroactive lens element may include a second liquid crystal layer and a second alignment layer having a second alignment direction orthogonal to the first alignment direction.

The first electroactive lens element can include a first substrate, a first plurality of electrodes, a first alignment layer, a second substrate, an electrically conductive coating, a second alignment layer, and a liquid crystal material. A first plurality of electrodes may be disposed on a surface of the first substrate. A first alignment layer may be disposed on the first plurality of electrodes and a portion of the first substrate. A second substrate may be coupled to the first substrate forming the first cavity. An electrically conductive coating may be disposed on the surface of the second substrate. A second alignment layer may be disposed on the electrically conductive coating. A liquid crystal material may be disposed within the first cavity between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer. The first plurality of electrodes may include a plurality of concentric ring electrodes. The liquid crystal material may include a nematic liquid crystal material. The first alignment layer may be aligned parallel to the second alignment layer. Alternatively, the first alignment layer may be aligned non-parallel to the second alignment layer.

The first electroactive lens element may be configured to switch between state A and state B independent of the state of the second electroactive lens element. In one embodiment, neither the first electroactive lens element nor the second electroactive lens element includes a polarizer.

The first level of optical power in the first electroactive lens element may be from about 1/4 diopters to about 5 diopters. The second level of optical power in the first electroactive lens element may be between about 0 diopters and about 5 diopters. The third optical power level in the second electroactive lens element may be from about 1/4 diopters to about 5 diopters. The fourth optical power level in the second electroactive lens element may be between about 0 diopters and about 5 diopters. The first level of optical power of the first electroactive lens element may be different from the third level of optical power of the second electroactive lens element. The second level of optical power of the first electroactive lens element may be the same as the fourth level of optical power of the second electroactive lens element.

The electroactive lens element may be configured to switch between state A and state B via at least one of a (mechanical) switch, voice actuation, or eye movement. The second electroactive lens element may be configured to switch between state C and state D via at least one of a (mechanical) switch, voice actuation, or eye movement. The first polarization state may be orthogonal to the second polarization state.

The electroactive lens may also include a third electroactive lens element in optical series with the first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element. The third electroactive lens element has state E (the third electroactive lens element has a fifth optical power different from the first, second, and third optical powers for light in the third polarization state; and providing zero optical power for light of the first and second polarization states, and state F (the third electroactive lens element provides a sixth optical power for light of the third polarization state, and zero optical power for light of the first polarization state and providing zero optical power for light in two polarization states).

Electroactive lenses may be included in the range of guns. A gun scope may be configured to be mounted on a gun. The first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element can be configured to switch between states via a mechanical switch disposed proximate the trigger guard on the gun. Alternatively, the electroactive lens may be placed in at least one of eyeglasses, contact lenses, or intraocular lenses.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of operating an electroactive lens. The method includes applying a first voltage to a first electroactive lens element to switch the first electroactive lens element from state A to state B. The method also includes applying a second voltage different from the first voltage to the second electroactive lens element to switch the second electroactive lens element from state C to state D.

Another embodiment of the present technology is a gun range. A gun scope includes a housing, an electroactive lens, a processor, and a power supply. An electroactive lens and processor are disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to each other. A power source is electrically coupled to the processor. The processor separately switches the first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element.

The gun scope may include a switch. A switch can be disposed on an exterior surface of the housing and can be electrically coupled to the processor to allow a user to control the electroactive lens. The gun endoscope may also include a wireless communications receiver coupled to the processor for receiving signals from an external switch to allow a user to control the electroactive lens.

Another embodiment of the present technology is a gun comprising a gun scope having a multifocal electroactive lens. The gun may also include a trigger and an external switch. The external switch can be mounted adjacent to the trigger within reach of the user's hand so that the user's finger can switch the focus of the electroactive lens without changing the position or grip of the user's hand.

All combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (unless these concepts are mutually inconsistent) are part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. As terms that may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference, terms used herein are to be given a meaning most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are primarily for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in some instances, various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein may be exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate understanding of different features. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate like features (eg, functionally and/or structurally similar elements).
Figures 1a to 1c show notations for linearly polarized light.
Figures 2a to 2c show notations for liquid crystal alignment (friction) directions.
3 shows an electroactive lens element with two substrates prior to assembly.
Figure 4 shows polarization alignment on the electroactive lens element of Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the electroactive lens of Figure 3;
6 shows an exploded view of another electroactive lens element.
FIG. 7 shows the electrodes in the electroactive lens element of FIG. 3 without electrical connections to power the electrodes.
8A shows an exploded view of an electroactive lens having two electroactive lens elements.
8b shows a perspective view of the electroactive lens of FIG. 8a.
Figure 9 shows four switching states for the electroactive lens of Figures 8a and 8b.
10A is a picture taken through the electroactive lens of FIGS. 8A and 8B focused on a distant object.
10B is a picture taken through the electroactive lens of FIGS. 8A and 8B focused on a near object.
10C is a picture taken through the electroactive lens of FIGS. 8A and 8B simultaneously focused on a far and near object.
11 shows an electroactive lens with three electroactive lens elements.
12 shows a gun scope with an electroactive lens.
Figure 13 shows a rifle with the gun scope of Figure 12;
14A shows a multifocal electroactive lens disposed in eyeglasses.
14B shows a multifocal electroactive lens disposed on a contact lens.
14C shows a multifocal electroactive lens placed in an intraocular lens.

The electroactive lens of the present invention can simultaneously focus light of different polarization states to different focal planes. Unlike conventional electroactive lenses, the electro-active lenses of the present invention can simultaneously focus different polarization states with different optical powers because they do not contain a polarizer. Conventional electroactive lenses typically include polarization dependent electroactive elements, that is, they typically operate only on polarized light. Because of this dependence, conventional electroactive lenses typically include a polarizer that attenuates light that is not in the appropriate polarization state or polarization switch (eg, a switchable wave plate) to switch the light to the appropriate polarization state. Instead of using a polarizer or polarization switch to correct the polarization dependence of a lens element, the electroactive lens system of the present invention uses this polarization dependence to simultaneously focus unpolarized light into multiple optical powers.

Electroactive lenses include at least two electroactive (eg, liquid crystal) lens elements that provide different optical powers and have coincident optical axes. Each lens element has two natural axes orthogonal to each other and to the optical axis of the lens. Each lens element focuses light polarized along a first natural axis with different optical power when on and transmits light polarized along a different (second) natural axis when on and off. The lens elements are rotated relative to each other about their optical axis by 90 degrees such that the first natural axis of the first lens element is aligned with the second natural axis of the second lens element and the first natural axis of the second lens element is aligned with the first natural axis of the second lens element. Aligned with the second natural axis of the lens element.

The focal size, or optical power, provided along the first natural axis of each lens element depends, among other things, on liquid crystal thickness and applied voltage, and can be continuously adjusted (e.g., between -5 and +5 diopters) or two or more It may switch between distinct states (eg, between 0 and 5 diopters in 0.5 or 1.0 diopter increments). (Other ranges and values of optical power are possible.) Each lens element, when off (when no voltage is applied), either provides no optical power (or zero) along its first natural axis, or When off, it may provide a non-zero optical power along the first natural axis. The lens elements are configured to be independently controlled so that the operation of one lens element does not affect the operation of another lens element. That is, the optical powers within each lens element can be independently switched to provide different optical powers without moving parts.

An alternative electroactive lens system includes three lens elements. In the same way that two lens elements can provide two separate, simultaneous focal points, three lens elements can provide three separate, simultaneous focal points. Each lens element in a three-lens element system focuses polarized light along different directions with different optical powers when on and transmits polarized light along different directions when on and off. The lens elements rotate relative to each other about an optical axis by an angle of less than 90 degrees. For example, each lens element can be rotated 45 degrees about an optical axis relative to the other lens element.

Electroactive materials used in the lens elements may include liquid crystal materials, such as nematic liquid crystal materials and other planar aligned or vertically aligned liquid crystal materials.

Electroactive lenses of the present invention may also include one or more static optical structures that focus light. These static optical structures may include simple lens structures (eg, convex lenses, concave lenses, and/or meniscus lenses), compound lens structures (eg, combinations of simple lenses), and/or non-spherical lens structures (eg, frame lenses). Nell lenses, and/or gradient index lenses). These structures may include or form part of the electroactive lens element itself (eg, they may be etched or shaped in the substrate of the electroactive lens element).

Polarization State and Liquid Crystal Alignment Direction

Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c represent symbols used in this disclosure to describe different linear polarization orientations or states. Symbol 5 in Fig. 1a indicates that linearly polarized light "enters and exits the plane of the drawing". Symbol 10 in FIG. 1 b indicates that the linear polarization is orthogonal to the direction indicated by symbol 5. In this case, the direction of linear polarization is "left and right across the plane of the drawing". Symbol 15 in Fig. 1c indicates that the linear polarization is also orthogonal to the directions indicated by symbols 5 and 10. The direction of linear polarization indicated by symbol 15 is "up and down across the plane of the drawing".

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c represent the symbols used in this disclosure to describe the orientation of the rubbing direction or alignment direction of the alignment layer used in the liquid crystal focus changer (electroactive lens element). Symbol 20 in Fig. 2a indicates that the direction "enters and exits the plane of the drawing". Symbol 25 in FIG. 2B indicates that the rubbing direction is orthogonal to the direction indicated by symbol 20 and is “left and right across the plane of the drawing”. Symbol 30 in FIG. 2C indicates that the direction of friction is orthogonal to the directions indicated by symbols 20 and 25, and that the direction of friction is “up and down across the plane of the drawing”. Each liquid crystal lens typically has two alignment layers, one on each side of the liquid crystal material, and their rubbing directions may be parallel to each other, conversely parallel, or orthogonal to each other. In some cases, only one alignment layer may be used to reduce cost. Using two alignment layers increases both the switching speed and the width of the field of view.

A-c in FIG. 1 and a-c in FIG. 2 represent relative directions. If these figures are viewed from different perspectives, different symbols may be used to represent the same polarization state in the different figures. Similarly, the same symbol may be used to indicate different polarization states in the different views if these figures are from different perspectives. For example, in a side or profile view of an optical component, symbol 5 may represent a horizontal polarization state and symbol 10 may represent a vertical polarization state. In a distal end view of the same optical component (ie, a view along the optical axis), symbol 10 may represent a horizontal polarization state and symbol 15 may represent a vertical polarization state.

Electroactive lens element for simultaneous focus at different depths of field

3-7 show an electroactive lens element 300 suitable for use in the electroactive lens of the present invention. A first side of the multifocal electroactive lens element 300 includes a first substrate 305 on which circular electrodes 310 are patterned on a surface of the first substrate 305 . The circular electrode 310 is made of a transparent conductive material (eg, indium tin oxide (ITO)). An electrode may be deposited on the first substrate 305 by depositing a layer of conductive material on the surface of the first substrate 305 and then patterning the conductive material layer using lithography. A transparent conductive material coating is also disposed on the second substrate 330 on the second side of the multifocal electroactive lens element 300 . This coating of transparent conductive material is patternless and acts as a ground plane.

An insulating layer (eg, SiO ₂ ) may be disposed on the electrode 310 on the first substrate 305 and the conductive layer on the second substrate 330 . The insulating layer may be patterned with small via holes to electrically couple the electrode 310 and the conductive layer on the second substrate 330 to a power source. The configuration of via holes on the first substrate 305 is discussed in more detail below with respect to FIG. 7 . One or more via holes may be patterned on the second substrate 330 . Preferably, when the first substrate 305 and the second substrate 330 are bonded together, only one via hole is used to couple the conductive layer on the second substrate 330 to the power supply, and the via hole is It is located outside the region coincident with the electrode 310 on the substrate 305.

The circular electrode 310 is electrically coupled to the electric pad 320 through a bus line 315. These electrical pads 320 may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, or an opaque material such as nickel, which is deposited on the first substrate 305 and then patterned using lithography techniques. Electrical pad 340 is electrically coupled to cross point 335 and serves as the ground side of the electrical circuit. The one or more bus lines electrically couple the ground side of the electrical circuit on the first substrate (305) to the conductive coating on the second substrate (330) through one or more via holes in the insulating layer on the second substrate (330). used

Cross points 335 electrically couple the pads 340 on the first substrate 305 and the conductive coating on the second substrate 330 . Cross point 335 includes several electrically conductive beads disposed on the surface of cross point 335 . The two sides of the electroactive lens element 300 are bonded together such that the circular electrode 310 on the first substrate 305 faces the transparent conductive coating on the second substrate 330 . The electrically conductive beads on intersection 335 are electrically coupled to the transparent conductive coating on second substrate 330 . The bond between the conductive coating on the second substrate 330 and the cross point 335 is at a pad 340 that is electrically insulated from the other conductive features on the substrate 305 (circular electrode 310 and electrical pad 320). Provide ground circuit connection. With this configuration, a single electrical connector with multiple independent electrical lines (e.g., flexible ribbon connectors) uses two separate electrical connectors to electrically couple the working and grounding circuit elements onto the board 305. Rather than doing so, it may be used to connect the lens element 300 to a power source and/or processor for controlling the electroactive lens element 300. The two substrates 305 and 330 may be joined with an adhesive disposed on a glue line 325 on the first substrate 305 (and/or the second substrate 330). A spacer bead may be disposed between the two substrates 305 and 330 to provide a uniform thickness (eg, between about 10 μm and about 15 μm) for a sealed cavity formed between the substrates 305 and 330 . A liquid crystal material (eg, Merck MLC-2140; not shown) is disposed in the cavity between the two substrates 305 and 330 before the cavity is sealed with an adhesive to form lens element 300 .

4 shows alignment layers on substrates 305 and 300 and their friction/alignment directions 345 and 350, respectively. Each alignment layer may be formed of polyimide or other suitable material and is disposed over the electrode and substrate surface facing the liquid crystal material when the lens element 300 is fully assembled. Alignment directions 345 and 350 determine how the liquid crystal molecules align themselves with respect to substrates 305 and 330 . They either fix the polyimide by rubbing it with a felt cloth or expose it to linearly polarized ultraviolet (UV) light along the desired alignment direction. The two substrates 305 and 330 are aligned so that the alignment directions 345 and 350 are parallel (as shown in the exploded view of the assembled lens element in FIG. 5) or (as shown in the exploded view of the assembled lens element in FIG. 6). They can be oriented and assembled so that they are non-parallel. Since liquid crystal molecules are birefringent, the alignment directions 345 and 350 determine the natural axes of the liquid crystal lens, the first natural axis parallel to the alignment directions 345 and 350 and the second natural axis perpendicular to the alignment directions 345 and 350. am.

7 shows a concentric circular electrode 765 suitable for use with the electroactive lens element 300 of FIGS. 3-6. Circular electrode 765 is typically made of a transparent but electrically conductive material such as ITO, patterned on a transparent substrate such as glass or plastic. Between each electrode 765 there is a gap 760 without conductive material to prevent electrical connection between the electrodes 765 . Gaps 760 (nineteen shown) are unfilled or may be filled with a non-conductive material, such as silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ). In many cases it is desirable to make this gap as small as possible with typical gap sizes of 1 to 3 μm. Smaller or larger gaps are also possible. In this example, twenty electrodes 765 are shown, but hundreds or thousands more are typically used.

An insulating layer may be disposed on top of circular electrode 765 and gap 760 . This insulating layer does not conduct electricity but may be made of an optically transparent material, for example a 125 nm thick SiO ₂ layer deposited over electrode 205 . A series of holes may be patterned into the insulating layer to expose a section of each lower electrode 765 . These holes connect electrode 765 to the power supply.

FIG. 7 shows electrical connections 755 , also referred to as bus lines (twenty shown), made to supply power to electrodes 765 . Bus line 755 is made of an electrically conductive material, for example nickel. They are typically about 10 μm wide, but can be narrower (eg 1 μm) when space is limited and power conduction is low, and wider (eg 100 μm) when power conduction is higher . Each bus line 755 may be up to about 10 mm long (eg, 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, or 10 mm long) or more depending on the size of the lens.

In operation, bus line 755 provides power to electrode 765. Each bus line 755 delivers power only to its designated electrode 765 and not to any other electrode 765 . The insulating layer prevents the bus line 755 from being shorted or connected to another electrode adjacent thereto, and only allows the bus line 755 to be connected to a desired electrode 765 through a via hole in the insulating layer.

The exemplary electrode shown in FIG. 7 uses one bus line per electrode. In other implementations, a resistor or resistor bridge connects some of the adjacent electrodes so that only a subset of the electrodes are connected to the bus line. Electrodes not connected to the bus line are powered by current passing through the resistive bridge and adjacent electrodes. This can improve optical quality by reducing the number of bus lines and electrical drive channels. In one implementation, a (curved) resistive bridge disposed in the same plane as the electrodes 765 connects each pair of neighboring electrodes 765 . These resistive bridges are placed in the gap between the electrodes or connected at the break points of the electrodes. In another implementation, the resistive bridge rises above the plane of electrode 765. A raised resistor bridge can be placed on the insulating layer between the resistor and the electrode, which is connected through a via in the insulating layer. For details on resistive bridges, see, for example, US Pat. No. 10,599,006 and US Pat. No. 10,551,690, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Unlike conventional electroactive lens elements, electroactive lens element 300 of FIGS. 3-7 does not include any polarizers. Because the liquid crystal layer in electroactive lens element 300 is birefringent, the liquid crystal layer focuses polarized light along the alignment direction 345/350 when actuated and transmits light in orthogonal directions whether actuated or not. let it Because the electroactive lens element 300 transmits unfocused light when actuated, a focused image produced by the electroactive lens element 300 is better than a focused image produced by a similar conventional electroactive lens element. It can appear blurrier, softer, or more out of focus.

Concentric ring electrodes are just one example of an electrode configuration that can be used in an electroactive lens element. Other configurations include, for example, linear electrodes, elliptical electrodes, non-circular electrodes, non-fully closed (eg, arc instead of closed loop) circular and/or non-circular electrodes.

Electroactive lenses with simultaneous focus at different depths of field

8A and 8B show exploded and perspective views of an electroactive lens 800 having two electroactive lens elements 810 and 830, respectively. The first lens element 810 includes a first substrate 816 and a second substrate 818 . Electroactive regions 820 on first substrate 816 represent locations where electrodes are patterned onto the surface of first substrate 816 . A transparent conductive coating serving as a ground plane is disposed on the surface of second substrate 818 . The two substrates 816 and 818 are bonded together such that the electroactive region 820 on substrate 816 faces the conductive coating on substrate 818 . A layer of liquid crystal material is sandwiched between the two substrates 816 and 818 .

The second lens element 830 includes a first substrate 836 and a second substrate 838 . 8A and 8B, the first substrate 836 is separate from the second substrate 818 of the first lens element 810; Alternatively, the two lens elements 810 and 830 may share a common substrate with appropriately patterned conductive material, alignment layers, and optional insulating layers on both sides. Electroactive regions 840 represent locations where electrodes are patterned on the surface of first substrate 836 . A transparent conductive coating serving as a ground plane is disposed on the surface of the second substrate 838 . The two substrates 836 and 838 are bonded together such that the electroactive region 840 on the substrate 836 faces the conductive coating on the substrate 838. A layer of liquid crystal material is sandwiched between the two substrates 816 and 818 . This layer of liquid crystal material can have a different thickness, can be of a different composition, and/or can be operated at a different voltage or different voltage profile than the layer of liquid crystal material in first electroactive lens element 810 . This allows the second electroactive lens element 830 to provide a different optical power than the first electroactive lens element 810 . Electrical connections 812 and 832 provide power to patterned electrodes in first lens element 810 and second lens element 830 , respectively.

8B shows an electroactive lens 800 with two lens elements 810 and 830 assembled together. The first and second lens elements 810 and 830 have different optical powers and are assembled such that their liquid crystal alignment directions 814 and 834 are orthogonal. That is, the lens elements 810 and 830 are aligned so that their optical axes coincide but their natural axes are rotated relative to each other by 90°, and the focusing natural axis of the first lens element is parallel to the transmission natural axis of the second lens element; The transmission eigenaxis of the first lens element is parallel to the focusing eigenaxis of the second lens element. In this way, a first lens element focuses s-polarized light and transmits p-polarized light, and a second lens element focuses p-polarized light and transmits s-polarized light, for example. do (or vice versa).

9 shows four different operating states for the electroactive lens 800. In this implementation, the first lens element 810 focuses the s-polarized focused light 1001 to one focal plane, and the second lens element 830 focuses the p-polarized focused light 1003 into a different focal plane. Focus on the focal plane. (This indicates that lens elements 810 and 830 have different optical powers and can focus light from different distances into the same focal plane.)

In state 1 (top left), the first lens element 810 and the second lens element 830 are in a non-focusing state and thus transmit light without any focusing in any polarization state.

In state 2 (upper right), the first lens element 810 is in a focusing state and the second lens element 830 is in a non-focusing state. In state 2, the first lens element 810 focuses s-polarized light and transmits p-polarized light, and the second lens element transmits both s- and p-polarized light. The overall effect in State 2 is that a portion of the unpolarized light incident on the electroactive lens 800 is driven by the first lens element 810 into a first plane (perpendicular to the point where the angled ray intersects the optical axis). ), and a portion of unpolarized incident light is transmitted through the electroactive lens 800 without focusing.

In state 3 (bottom left), the second lens element 830 is in a focusing state and the first lens element 810 is in a non-focusing state. In state 3, the second lens element 830 focuses the p-polarized light and transmits the s-polarized light, and the first lens element 810 transmits both the s- and p-polarized light. permeate The overall effect in state 3 is that a portion of the unpolarized incident light is focused by the second lens element 830 into a second plane (again, perpendicular to the point where the angled ray intersects the optical axis), and A portion is transmitted through the electroactive lens 800 without focusing.

In state 4 (bottom right), both the first lens element 810 and the second lens element 830 are in a focusing state. In state 4, first lens element 810 focuses s-polarized light and transmits p-polarized light, and second lens element 830 focuses p-polarized light and transmits s-polarized light. transmits The overall effect in state 4 is that a portion of the unpolarized incident focused light is focused to a first plane by the first lens element 810 and a portion of the incident light is focused to a second plane by the second lens element 830. It will be.

10A to 10C show pictures taken using the electroactive lens 800 in states 2-4, respectively. In FIG. 10A , the electroactive lens 800 is in state 2, where the first lens element 810 is in a focusing state and the second lens element is in a non-focusing state. The first lens element 810 has an optical power selected to bring a distant object into focus. As a result, distant objects (left) appear out of focus, while near objects (right) are out of focus. In FIG. 10B , the electroactive lens 800 is in state 3, where the second lens element 830 is in a focusing state and the first lens element is in a non-focusing state. The second lens element 830 has optical power to focus near objects. As a result, near objects (right) appear out of focus, while far objects (left) are out of focus. In FIG. 10C , the electroactive lens 800 is in state 4, where the first and second lens elements are in a focusing state. As a result, near objects (right) and far objects (left) appear in soft focus (rather than the sharp focus produced by polarizing the liquid crystal lens).

More generally, in one implementation, the first and second electroactive lens elements have a transmissive state and a focusing state, respectively. That is, the first electroactive lens element may be configured to have a first focusing state in which the first electroactive lens element focuses light in a first polarization state and transmits light in a second polarization state; and a first transmission state that transmits light in a second polarization state. and a second focusing state in which the second electroactive lens element transmits light in the first polarization state and focuses light in the second polarization state; and a second transmission state that transmits light in the second polarization state.

Such an electroactive lens system includes setting a first electroactive lens element to a first focusing state or a first non-focusing state; setting the second electroactive lens to a second focusing state or a second non-focusing state; and transmitting light through the first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element. When a first electroactive lens element is in a first focusing state and a second electroactive lens element is in a second non-focusing state, the system focuses light in a first polarization state with the first electroactive lens element. and transmits light in the second polarization state through the first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element without focusing the light in the second polarization state. When the second electroactive lens element switches from the second non-focusing state to the second focusing state, the second electroactive lens element focuses light in the second polarization state, and the first electroactive lens element focuses the light in the second polarization state. Light in the second polarization state is transmitted without focusing light in the polarization state.

In another implementation, one or more of the lens elements may provide two focusing states with different optical powers instead of a focused state and an unfocused state. For example, an electroactive lens may include a first lens element that switches between a first focusing state and a second focusing state, each focusing state having a different optical power, and a second lens element that switches between a focusing state and a non-focusing state. 2 may include lens elements. The focusing state of the second lens element may have the same optical power as the first focusing state of the first lens element. In this way, one state of the electroactive lens focuses light in two different polarization states with a single optical power to provide higher contrast and clarity in that optical power, while another state of the electroactive lens focuses light in two different polarization states with a single optical power can provide focusing at the same time.

An electroactive lens system can switch between states using any of several methods. System switching can be initiated by the user of the electroactive lens system. In one implementation, a user may initiate switching of one or more lens elements within the electroactive lens system using a manual switch coupled to a power supply that supplies power to the electroactive lens system. In another implementation, the user can initiate switching of the lens elements using an eye movement or facial movement. In this embodiment, the electroactive lens system includes a sensor coupled to the power supply for sensing user eye movement and/or facial movement. In another implementation, an electroactive lens system includes a processor electrically coupled to a power supply to control the lens elements. The processor may be programmed to automatically cycle between switching states at a predetermined rate. In another implementation, an electroactive lens system includes a microphone coupled to the processor for receiving a voice command from a user to switch a focusing state of an electroactive lens element.

11 shows an electroactive lens 1100 having three lens elements 1110, 1120, and 1130. This configuration is similar to the two-lens configuration, except that the alignment layer scrub direction for each lens element is in 45 degree rotational increments rather than 90 degree. For example, lens element 1110 can have the alignment layer rub direction aligned at zero angle about the optical axis, lens element 1120 can have the alignment layer rub direction aligned at 45 degrees about the optical axis, and , lens element 1130 may have the alignment layer rub direction aligned at 90 degrees about the optical axis.

Multifocal Active Lens Gun Scope

12 shows an adjustable gun scope 1200, with an electroactive lens 1290 capable of bringing light in different polarization states of unpolarized light from the near plane and the far plane focused simultaneously. The gun scope 1200 includes an object assembly 1224 disposed on one end of the scope tube 1222, and an alternative assembly 1220 disposed on the end of the scope tube 1222 opposite the object assembly 1224. can include Object assembly 1224 includes one or more optical elements (lenses) 1264 and 1266 for directing light 1201 back to alternative assembly 1220 . Scope tube 1222 also houses optical elements 1260 and 1262 that provide variable zoom. Scope 1200 also includes a reticle (eg, for sighting and mounting elements (eg, airflow control, height adjustment, and mounting ring) for mounting the scope to a weapon (eg, a rifle, crossbow, machine gun, or handgun). crosshairs).

As described above, the alternative assembly 1220 includes an electroactive lens (similar to that of FIGS. 8A and 8B ) to focus the different polarization components of the unpolarized light 1201 from different planes (e.g., near and far planes). 1290). The electroactive lens 1290 includes a first lens element 1210 and a second lens element 1230, has crossed natural axes (alignment directions) as described above, and does not include a polarizer. Lens elements 1210 and 1230 provide different optical powers for light polarized along different (orthogonal) alignment directions. In other words, lens elements 1210 and 1230 are aligned such that their optical axes coincide but their natural axes are rotated relative to each other by 90°, and the focusing natural axis of the first lens element is parallel to the transmission natural axis of the second lens element. and the transmission eigenaxis of the first lens element is parallel to the focusing eigenaxis of the second lens element. Lens elements 1210 and 1230 may operate as described above with respect to FIG. 9 .

In an alternative embodiment of the scope, the scope includes an alternative conventional assembly, and the electroactive lens 1290 is an additional optical component. In this embodiment, the electroactive lens 1290 is located in the scope tube 1222 between the objective lens 1224 and the conventional ocular assembly, or adjacent to the side of the conventional ocular assembly closer to the eye, in another optical configuration. The optics are arranged in series with the element.

The switchable state of these scope devices can provide two focal lengths simultaneously with the option of choosing one or the other. For example, if a user is monitoring two targets (e.g., a closer target and a farther target), two simultaneous-focus modes may be used to bring both targets into focus (see FIG. 9 ). similar to 4). If it is decided to narrow the target to only one target, the user can switch the electroactive lens 1290 to single focus mode to focus more on that target (closer or more distant) with better focus and higher contrast. there is.

13 shows the scope 1200 of FIG. 12 mounted on a rifle 1300 with mounting rings 1312 and 1314. Rifle 1300 includes a switch 1320 mounted near the trigger guard. The switch 1320 is close enough to the trigger and trigger card that the shooter can operate the switch without moving his hand, his body, or the rifle 1300. Switch 1320 is coupled to scope 1200 and is used to switch electroactive lens 1290 in scope 1200 between its different states. Preferably, switch 1320 includes a radio transmitter and scope 1200 includes a radio receiver to provide radio coupling between switch 1320 and scope 1200 . In another implementation, switch 1320 is coupled to scope 1200 via a wire or other physical connection. In another implementation, switch 1320 may be controlled by a “spotter,” a second person who helps the shooter find the target. Many other switching methods can be used and are known to those skilled in the art of human control factors.

The electroactive lens 1290 is powered by a power source (eg, a rechargeable battery or capacitor). The power source is disposed within the scope housing, inside the rifle housing, or on a surface of the scope housing or rifle housing. A processor is operatively coupled to the electroactive lens 1290 and provides control of the electroactive lens 1290 . The processor is disposed within the scope housing, within the rifle housing, or on a surface of the scope housing or rifle housing. The processor also provides a voltage gradient and amplitude for controlling the electroactive lens 1290.

Other Applications of Multifocal Electroactive Lenses

Besides rifle shooting, there are many other applications where multifocal electroactive lenses can be useful. For example, a multifocal electroactive lens can be used to align a cue ball and a target ball with the intended destination of the target ball when playing billiards. As another example, multifocal electroactive lenses can be used when driving a vehicle, so that dashboard instruments within the vehicle can be viewed while still focused on the road. As another example, multifocal electroactive lenses can be used when playing sports that require catching a ball, where the ball is initially far away and gets closer. As another example, multifocal electroactive lenses can be used when playing racquet sports, using near focus when hitting a ball, and also far focus to track the ball when away. Multifocal electroactive lenses can also be used while cooking food so that the recipe can be read while keeping the cooking equipment and food in focus. Multifocal electroactive lenses may also be used by pilots flying aircraft to allow the pilot to see near objects, such as instruments, while maintaining far focus. Multifocal electroactive lenses can also be used when playing card games, so that players can see the cards in their hands while observing other players. Multifocal electroactive lenses can also be used when performing medical procedures, allowing doctors to see the patient clearly and read diagnostic equipment readings from a distance. A multifocal electroactive lens can be used to look farther away at an object, such as a monitor or document, while typing so that the keyboard can be brought into focus. Multifocal electroactive lenses can be used by workers in industrial environments, where the operator can focus on a measurement device (eg a voltmeter) while still viewing a more distant measurement object (eg a circuit).

Multifocal electroactive lenses can be used in any one of several optical devices. For example, the lenses may be mounted on spectacle frames, contact lenses, or intraocular lenses.

14A shows multifocal electroactive glasses 1800. The electroactive eyeglasses 1800 can include an electronic module 202 disposed on one or both of the temples of the eyeglasses. The electronic module 202 may include a power supply and/or a processor. Electronic module 202 can be electrically coupled to multifocal electroactive lenses 104 and 106 via conductive link 1802 . Multifocal electroactive lenses 104 and 106 may rotate electroactive lens elements without a polarizer, such as electroactive lens 800 of FIG. 8A. Conductive link 1802 may include any number of conductive elements (eg, flexible ribbon connectors) that provide an electrical connection between electronic module 202 and multifocal electroactive lenses 104 and 106 . In other implementations, the multifocal electroactive eyeglasses may have only one multifocal electroactive lens, and the other lens may be a conventional lens. Similar to multifocal electroactive eyeglasses, other implementations of the present technology include multifocal electroactive sunglasses. For more details on electroactive glasses, see, for example, US Patent Application No. 2020/0225511 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In operation, the multifocal electroactive glasses 1800 can switch between different focusing states (multifocal and single focal states) in one of several ways. In one implementation, eyeglasses 1800 may include a button 1810 (eg, a capacitive touch switch) disposed on the temples of the eyeglasses and operably coupled to module 202 . The wearer of the glasses can use the button 1810 to switch between focusing states. The eyeglasses may also be switched using a sensor coupled to the eyeglasses and operatively coupled to module 202 to detect eye movement or facial movement of the wearer. A processor within module 202 may be programmed to automatically cycle between switching states at a predetermined rate. Glasses 1800 may also include an antenna that receives signals from a remote device (eg, a smartphone) to switch focusing states.

14B shows a multifocal electroactive contact lens 1900. A multifocal electroactive contact lens 1900 includes multiple electroactive lenses 1902 with rotating electroactive lens elements and no polarizers, like electroactive lens 800 of FIG. 8A. Contact lens 1900 includes bus lines 1920 for providing power to electrodes in electroactive lens 1902 . Electroactive lens 1902 can include a resistive bridge 1950 that electrically couples electrodes within electroactive lens 1902 that are not directly coupled to bus line 1920 . A bus line may be connected to a bus 1922 , which is connected to a processor (here, an ASIC 1924 ) through a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 1926 . Flexible PCB 1926 may also connect ASIC 1924 to a ring shaped power battery 1928 and (optionally) a ring shaped antenna 1930, both of which are concentric with electroactive lens 1902. make up All of these components may be attached to, or wholly or partially embedded in, the base optical element 1904. This base optical element 1904 can provide additional optical power—ie, can function as a fixed lens—and can be formed of any suitable material, including soft hydrogels such as those used in soft contact lenses. can include

In operation, contact lens 1900 can switch between different focusing states (multifocal and single focus states) in one of several ways. One way a contact lens can switch is by using an ASIC 1924, which can be programmed to automatically cycle between switching states at a predetermined rate. Another way the contact lens can switch is by using the antenna 1930, which can receive a signal from a remote device (eg, a smartphone) to switch the focusing state.

14C shows a multifocal electroactive intraocular lens 400 having a multifocal electroactive lens 430 and a rechargeable battery ring 424. The multifocal electroactive lens 430 may rotate the electroactive lens without a polarizer like the electroactive lens 800 of FIG. 8A. A lens anchor 414 may be used to stabilize and position the multifocal electroactive lens 430 in a desired position and orientation. The rechargeable battery ring 424 may be inductively powered by an external device. Other sources of power may include using the mechanical energy of body motion, solar cells, and conductive electrical charges. Power connection 422 electrically couples battery 424 to multifocal electroactive lens 430 . An optional base lens 452 can provide a base power using conventional lens construction. Base lens 452 may also encapsulate electroactive lens 430 in an airtight enclosure made of a biocompatible material similar to materials currently used to manufacture IOLs, soft acrylic or solid medical grade silicone, by way of example only. there is. IOL 400 includes a processor coupled to rechargeable battery ring 424 to control the switching state of multifocal electroactive lens 430 . The intraocular lens 400 may optionally include an antenna for receiving a signal from a remote device. For details on electroactive intraocular lenses, see, eg, US Patent Application No. 2019/0110887 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In operation, the processor can be programmed to automatically cycle between switching states at a predetermined rate. Alternatively, IOL 400 may be configured to switch between switching states when the antenna receives a signal from a remote device (eg, a smartphone).

conclusion

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, those skilled in the art will readily imagine various other means and/or structures for carrying out the functions and/or results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and such variations and/or each of the modifications are considered to be within the scope of an embodiment of the invention described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials and/or configurations described herein are intended to be illustrative and that actual parameters, dimensions, materials and/or configurations will depend on the particular application or applications in which the teachings of the present invention are employed. It will be easy to understand that it will be different. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, implementations of the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. An inventive embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. Further, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are inconsistent with one another, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods is within the scope of the present disclosure. included within

In addition, various inventive concepts may be implemented in one or more ways, one of which has been presented as an example. The operations performed as part of the method may be sequenced in any suitable manner. Accordingly, implementations may be configured such that operations are performed in an order different from that shown, and may involve performing some operations concurrently, even though operations appear sequential in example implementations.

All definitions defined and used herein are to be understood as controlling for dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference and/or general meanings of the defined terms.

As used herein, the indefinite articles ("one" and "one") are to be understood to mean "at least one" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the phrase “and/or” means “either or both” of elements that are conjugated, i.e., present in conjunction in some cases and present separately in other cases, in the specification and claims. should be understood as meaning Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, ie, “one or more” of the conjoined elements. Other elements may optionally be present other than those elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, related or unrelated to the elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising", a reference to "A and/or B" may, in one embodiment, only contain A (optionally including elements other than B); in other embodiments, only B (optionally including elements other than A); In another embodiment, both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. can be referred to.

As used herein in this specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above. For example, "or" or "and/or" when separating items from a list is meant to be inclusive, i.e., to a list of numbers or elements including but not limited to at least one, and, optionally, additional lists. It should be construed as including items without. Conversely, only explicitly indicated terms, such as "only one" or "exactly one" or, when used in the claims, "consisting of", indicate the inclusion of exactly one element in a number or list of elements. will refer In general, as used herein, the term “or” refers to an exclusive alternative when preceded by an exclusive term, such as “any one,” “one of,” “only one,” or “exactly one.” (ie, "one or the other but not both"). When used in the claims, “consisting essentially of” shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in this specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of one or more elements means at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but necessarily include at least one of each and every element specifically listed in , and do not necessarily exclude any combination of elements in the element list. This definition also allows for a corresponding element other than the specifically identified element to be optionally present within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether or not related to the specifically identified element. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B," or, equivalently, "at least one of A and/or B") means: in , without B, at least one A, optionally two or more (and optionally including elements other than B); in other embodiments, without A, at least one B, optionally two or more (and optionally including elements other than A); in another embodiment, at least one A, optionally two or more, and at least one B, optionally two or more (and optionally including other elements); etc. can be referred to.

In the foregoing specification and claims, all transition phrases such as "comprising", "comprising", "having", "having", "including", "involving", "having", "consisting of", etc. are open-ended. As, that is, it should be understood that it means including, but not limited to. Only transitional phrases of "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" correspond to closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, as described in United States Patent and Trademark Office Manual of Patent Examination Procedures 2111.03.

Claims (22)

As an electroactive lens,
state A (the first electroactive lens element provides a first optical power for light of the first polarization state and zero optical power for light of a second polarization state different from the first polarization state), and state B ( wherein the first electroactive lens element is configured to switch between a second optical power different from the first optical power for light in the first polarization state and providing zero optical power for light in the second polarization state. a first electroactive lens element; and
in optical series with the first electroactive lens element, state C (a second electroactive lens element having a third optical power different from the first and second optical powers for light in the second polarization state, and providing zero optical power for light of the first polarization state, and state D (the second electroactive lens element provides a fourth optical power for light of the second polarization state, and state D for light of the first polarization state) and a second electroactive lens element configured to switch between (providing zero optical power for ). 2. The lens element of claim 1, wherein the first electroactive lens element comprises a first liquid crystal layer and a first alignment layer having a first alignment direction, and wherein the second electroactive lens element comprises a second liquid crystal layer and the first alignment layer. An electroactive lens comprising a second alignment layer having a second alignment direction orthogonal to the direction. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electroactive lens element comprises:
a first substrate;
a first plurality of electrodes disposed on a surface of the first substrate;
a first alignment layer disposed over the first plurality of electrodes and a portion of the first substrate;
a second substrate coupled to the first substrate forming a first cavity;
an electrically conductive coating disposed on a surface of the second substrate;
a second alignment layer disposed on the electrically conductive coating; and
and a liquid crystal material disposed within the first cavity between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer. 4. The electroactive lens of claim 3, wherein the first plurality of electrodes comprises a plurality of concentric ring electrodes. 4. The electroactive lens of claim 3, wherein the liquid crystal material comprises a nematic liquid crystal material. 4. The electroactive lens of claim 3, wherein the first alignment layer is aligned parallel to the second alignment layer. 4. The electroactive lens of claim 3, wherein the first alignment layer is aligned non-parallel with the second alignment layer. 2. The electroactive lens of claim 1, wherein the first electroactive lens element is configured to switch between state A and state B independent of a state of the second electroactive lens element. The electroactive lens of claim 1 , wherein the first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element do not include polarizers. According to claim 1,
the first optical power level is from about 1/4 diopters to about 5 diopters;
the second optical power level is from about 0 diopters to about 5 diopters;
the third optical power level is from about 1/4 diopters to about 5 diopters;
wherein the fourth optical power level is between about 0 diopters and about 5 diopters. According to claim 1,
the first level of optical power is different from the third level of optical power;
wherein the second optical power level is equal to the fourth optical power level. According to claim 1,
the first electroactive lens element is configured to switch between state A and state B through at least one of a mechanical switch, voice actuation, or eye movement;
wherein the second electroactive lens element is configured to switch between state C and state D via at least one of a mechanical switch, voice actuation, or eye movement. 2. The electroactive lens of claim 1, wherein the first polarization state is orthogonal to the second polarization state. According to claim 1,
further comprising a third electroactive lens element in optical series with the first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element, wherein the third electroactive lens element comprises state E (the third electroactive lens element) The elements are the first optical power, the second optical power, and a fifth optical power different from the third optical power for light in a third polarization state, and for light in the first and second polarization states. provides zero optical power for light), and state F, wherein the third electroactive lens element has a sixth optical power for light in the third polarization state, and for light in the first and second polarization states. providing zero optical power). A gun scope comprising the electroactive lens of claim 1 . According to claim 15,
The gun scope is configured to be mounted on a gun,
wherein the first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element are configured to switch between states via a mechanical switch disposed adjacent a trigger guard on the gun. The electroactive lens of claim 1 , wherein the electroactive lens is disposed in at least one of eyeglasses, contact lenses, or intraocular lenses. A method of operating an electroactive lens, said electroactive lens comprising:
state A (the first electroactive lens element provides a first optical power for light of the first polarization state and zero optical power for light of a second polarization state different from the first polarization state), and state B ( wherein the first electroactive lens element is configured to switch between a second optical power different from the first optical power for light in the first polarization state and providing zero optical power for light in the second polarization state. a first electroactive lens element; and
in optical series with the first electroactive lens element, state C (a second electroactive lens element having a third optical power different from the first and second optical powers for light in the second polarization state, and providing zero optical power for light of the first polarization state, and state D (the second electroactive lens element provides a fourth optical power for light of the second polarization state, and state D for light of the first polarization state) a second electroactive lens element configured to switch between providing zero optical power for
The method,
switching the first electroactive lens element from state A to state B by applying a first voltage to the first electroactive lens element; and
and applying a second voltage, different from the first voltage, to the second electroactive lens element to switch the second electroactive lens element from state C to state D. As a gun scope,
housing;
An electroactive lens disposed within the housing (the electroactive lens comprising:
state A (the first electroactive lens element provides a first optical power for light of the first polarization state and zero optical power for light of a second polarization state different from the first polarization state), and state B ( wherein the first electroactive lens element is configured to switch between a second optical power different from the first optical power for light in the first polarization state and providing zero optical power for light in the second polarization state. a first electroactive lens element; and
in optical series with the first electroactive lens element, state C (a second electroactive lens element having a third optical power different from the first and second optical powers for light in the second polarization state, and providing zero optical power for light of the first polarization state, and state D (the second electroactive lens element provides a fourth optical power for light of the second polarization state, and state D for light of the first polarization state) a second electroactive lens element configured to switch between providing zero optical power for ;
a processor disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the electroactive lens; and
A power supply electrically coupled to the processor;
wherein the processor separately switches the first electroactive lens element and the second electroactive lens element. 20. The gun scope of claim 19, further comprising a switch disposed on an outer surface of the housing and electrically coupled to the processor to allow a user to control the electroactive lens. 20. The gun scope of claim 19, further comprising a wireless communication receiver coupled to the processor for receiving a signal from an external switch to enable a user to control the electroactive lens. As a case,
The gun scope of claim 21;
trigger; and
and further comprising the external switch mounted adjacent to the trigger, wherein the external switch enables the user to control the electroactive lens without changing the grip or position of the user's hand.

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